Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the Valero Corner Stores Fireworks Extravaganza part of the Celebrate San Antonio event Tuesday Jan. 1, 2013.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the...

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the Valero Corner Stores Fireworks Extravaganza part of the Celebrate San Antonio event Tuesday Jan. 1, 2013.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the...

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the Valero Corner Stores Fireworks Extravaganza part of the Celebrate San Antonio event Tuesday Jan. 1, 2013.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the...

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the Valero Corner Stores Fireworks Extravaganza part of the Celebrate San Antonio event Tuesday Jan. 1, 2013.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the...

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the Valero Corner Stores Fireworks Extravaganza part of the Celebrate San Antonio event Tuesday Jan. 1, 2013.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the...

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the Valero Corner Stores Fireworks Extravaganza part of the Celebrate San Antonio event Tuesday Jan. 1, 2013.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the...

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the Valero Corner Stores Fireworks Extravaganza part of the Celebrate San Antonio event Tuesday Jan. 1, 2013.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the...

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the Valero Corner Stores Fireworks Extravaganza part of the Celebrate San Antonio event Tuesday Jan. 1, 2013.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the...

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the Valero Corner Stores Fireworks Extravaganza part of the Celebrate San Antonio event Tuesday Jan. 1, 2013.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the...

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the Valero Corner Stores Fireworks Extravaganza part of the Celebrate San Antonio event Tuesday Jan. 1, 2013.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the...

Fireworks explode around the Tower of the Americas during the Valero Corner Stores Fireworks Extravaganza part of the Celebrate San Antonio event Tuesday Jan. 1, 2013.
Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

SAN ANTONIO — As New Year's Eve approaches, those eager to mark the end of 2013 with a flurry of sparklers, firecrackers and bottle rockets are stocking up at area firework stands, local vendors said.

“Sales have been promising,” said Luke Girdley, vice president of Alamo Fireworks. “Most of our sales are in those last few days, but so far it looks like a good season.”

Girdley said rain can be a “double-edged sword” — too much and folks don't want to go outside or get mud on their shoes.

“With the forecast, it looks like will have we might have some wet ground, but that's not necessarily prohibitive.”

Thanks to a low drought index, there are no restrictions or bans on the sale or use of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Bexar County this year. Use of fireworks is prohibited within San Antonio and other cities.

Bexar County fire officials are asking revelers to be mindful of the dangers involved when lighting up festive combustibles to ring in the New Year. A few simple safety guidelines can keep the party from turning into tragedy, or at least help avoid burned fingers or destroyed property:

Select an area free of dry grasses or other dead vegetation

Keep a bucket of water or a water hose nearby

Don't use fireworks when the weather forecast calls for winds above 10 miles per hour

Beyond the danger of starting a fire, residents need to consider their personal safety and the safety of others when using fireworks by following these tips: